Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

A scoping exercise with regard to the existing Midleton Community Hospital site is under way to identity possible future uses which align with existing service needs. My view is that we need healthcare capacity and we need to think about that in every way. There are multiple stakeholders. The Deputy's voice and view will be important in relation to that. With a rising population, we are trying to increase capacity in suitable ways. Not every site is suitable. Some are better sold or just moved forward. The HSE is not a property developer as such. We have a pressing housing need as well. Acknowledging all of that, a scoping exercise is under way with regard to the existing hospital. As soon as I have any information on that, I will update the Deputy.

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